– Written By Agnieszka Rasińska, Appsilon & PHUSE US Connect 2025 Stream Chair

I have a lot of experience in different professional roles. With a background in biotechnology and bioinformatics, I've got a good grip on data analysis and visualization challenges. My career includes not only scientific and data analytics positions, but project and people management roles as well, collaborating with different size companies - both biotech and pharma. Currently, as a Delivery Manager I oversee data-heavy projects across the life science industry. My job involves handling project and product management, building and maintaining client relationships, and helping my team grow and develop.

1. What attracted you to your current position?

The unique opportunity to be at the intersection of strategy, execution and innovation. I get to use all my skills in data analytics, project and product management, leadership and problem-solving to drive projects from idea to successful completion so they deliver real value to the organisation and its clients. This position offers the chance to work in diverse environments, with unique challenges and opportunities, which keeps the work dynamic and engaging. It enables me to lead cross-functional teams, ensuring our work meets high standards. I enjoy building and nurturing relationships with clients and stakeholders so their needs are met and expectations exceeded. Focusing on customer satisfaction is a big motivator for me, as it aligns with my passion for delivering excellent results and fostering long-term partnerships. Finally, I enjoy opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Life sciences is a stimulating field, where I am at the forefront of new developments, helping drive innovation.

2. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone just starting out in the pharmaceutical industry and another to someone well established in their career, what would you say?

For someone just starting out – be curious: curiosity is your best friend when you’re just starting out. The pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving, with new research, technologies and methodologies emerging all the time. Keep an open mind, look for chances to learn, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Dive into life sciences and what’s going on around you – this will help you grow. This curiosity will keep you passionate and help you innovate throughout your career.

For someone well established in their career – stay curious: even after years in the industry, staying curious is super important to keep pushing forward. The industry changes fast, and continuous learning is essential for adapting to it. Be open to new ideas and be willing to experiment. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and leverage them to improve. By keeping a curious mindset, you’ll not only boost your own career but also inspire the people around you.

3. How would you describe your leadership style in just a few words?

I would say: collaborative, inspiring, empowering and supportive. I believe in working closely with the team, encouraging open communication and collective problem-solving to achieve our goals. By focusing on inspiring and motivating each team member, I aim to help them reach their full potential and exceed their own expectations. I actively listen so everyone feels valued and heard. As a leader, I want to create a positive and productive environment where everyone can do their best and contribute to the shared success.

4. If you weren’t doing this job, then what would you be doing?

I’d probably be in Costa Rica, protecting endangered sea turtles and wildlife. I’d be working at a research centre, where I could make a tangible impact on preserving these incredible species and their habitats. I’d use my skills and passion to be directly involved in making a real difference in the world.

5. Reflecting on your career journey, what professional achievement are you most proud of, and how has it shaped your approach to leadership and innovation?

Looking back on my career, I’m proud of all my achievements, big and small. Each one has taught me something valuable and kept me eager to learn and grow. I’m still ready to take on the world. My strong organisational skills and self-motivation have been key in consistently tackling challenging tasks with an entrepreneurial mindset. This has shaped my leadership style to be transformational. I focus on inspiring and motivating my team, believing they hold the power to make real impact. I also involve them in decision-making, get their input, and encourage collaboration, which helps us achieve great results together.

6. Can you share a challenging decision you’ve had to make recently and how you navigated it?

Recently, I faced a challenging decision regarding prioritising the delivery of two major features within tight deadlines. Both were crucial, but we had limited resources and could only fully commit to one at a time. To navigate this, I started by gathering extensive input from team members, stakeholders and users to understand the potential impact of each feature. I weighed up the strategic importance, immediate needs, and long-term benefits of each. After considering all the factors and potential trade-offs, I decided to prioritise the feature with the higher immediate impact while setting up a clear plan for the second. Throughout the process, I kept communication open and transparent, explaining the rationale behind my decision. This approach helped gain buy-in and aligned focus on the ultimate goal.

7. In what ways do you see the pharmaceutical industry evolving in the next decade, and how are you preparing for those changes?

Over the next decade, the pharmaceutical industry is going to see some big changes, mainly driven by advances in technology. We’ll likely see tools such as AI and machine learning and beyond speeding up drug discovery and making development more efficient. Tackling complex problems will increasingly require a collaborative approach from all parties in the industry, to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to find effective solutions to global challenges. We will also see a greater emphasis on preventative care, shifting focus from treating illness to preventing it, and using data for decision-making.

I stay updated on latest industry trends and technological advancements, and I’m diving into new areas of knowledge and attending events to get a better grasp of upcoming innovations. I have a mindset of adaptability and continuous learning, which is crucial for keeping pace with the industry’s rapid evolution. By staying informed and applying critical thinking, I will contribute effectively and stay aligned with the future of research and development.

8. How do you think your team benefits from having a delivery manager such as yourself, compared with companies/teams that do not?

The way we work at Appsilon is that for every project we dedicate a delivery manager. I lead the entire project life cycle, ensuring satisfactory progress from start to finish. My scientific and technical background, combined with hands-on experience, means I can communicate effectively with both technical teams and business stakeholders. I help bridge the gap between complex technical details and big-picture goals and business objectives, making sure everyone’s on the same page and ideas are aligned. I also bring an entrepreneurial mindset to the table, to consider all perspectives and foster collaboration across the board. My skills in evaluating information, analysing arguments, and making well-considered decisions are key in tackling challenges and driving successful outcomes. Overall, my approach provides leadership and direction throughout the entire project life cycle to bring innovative solutions to market effectively and efficiently.

9. How do you balance project work and training so that you can develop your team without impacting on project timelines?

It’s definitely not easy, but I try to make it work by managing a clear priority matrix to keep all tasks on track and ensure everyone knows their responsibilities. I focus on empowering and supporting team members, which also means delegating tasks effectively – a skill I’m always refining as a leader. I try to keep our eyes on shared goals, knowing our success – and learning from failures – is all about teamwork. I roll up my sleeves and work alongside the team. This not only helps with immediate project needs but also shows my commitment and encourages collaboration. I try to integrate training smoothly into our project work so we can all develop our skills without compromising project timelines.

10. Have you received feedback from clients about how your projects have performed, compared with projects without a delivery manager?

Yes. Clients have noted a positive difference in how our projects perform compared with those without a delivery manager. Clients appreciate us staying closely aligned with them, and they often highlight the commitment to understanding the deeper reasons behind what we do. By asking why we take certain actions and ensuring action is directly connected to objectives, the delivery manager provides a strong link between goals and project execution. This means we not only align with needs but also proactively manage the project to adapt to any changes. Plus, it brings in valuable expertise and industry knowledge, which enhances our teamwork and positive impact. By focusing on clear communication and thorough understanding, we are always on the same page, delivering results which truly meet clients’ expectations – and drive their success.